Leaving a Legacy of Courage

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Words have Weight

Words are a funny thing. They leave our mouths and can’t really be measured, seen, felt, or tasted. But one thing we do know is: Words have Weight.

The Bible talks about the tongue having the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21) We can use our words to criticize or encourage. I don’t think I know anyone who is so encouraged by others that they don’t want to hear another word. In reality, most people are thirsty for encouragement. Your family, your spouse, your friends, coworkers, community, and church can all benefit from more encouragement. I’m not talking about empty flattery, but true from-the-heart words of life.

Be an Encourager. Believe in people. Tell them you believe in them. I received a message today that impacted me deeply. It said “I am in a job that is absolutely thankless and I cry more here than anywhere else (believe it or not). Thank you for always making me feel valued and significant. I really need that right now. I love you all!” Be a blessing to others with your words. Lift people up, make them feel valued and loved and important.

I absolutely loved the movie The Help when the main character, Aibileen Clark says to the white daughter, “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” What a great example of speaking life into another person. Telling them how valuable you think they are. With all the negative advertisements today that target our insecurities (too fat? too ugly? too stupid?), fill your life with people who encourage and uplift you, and be the encourager and uplifter for the people in your world.

I once heard that you can effect people in one of two ways. It’s called the elevator theory: You can either leave people uplifted, or you can leave people feeling worse than when you met them. Don’t let your insecurities get in the way of lifting others up. Don’t have a lack mentality. Other people can be successful without it taking away from your own success. Others can look beautiful without it taking away from your beauty. Others can be happy without it taking away from your happiness. Don’t be afraid. There’s enough to go around. And there are certainly enough words of life to go around, blessing the people who come across your path.

My encouragement ( 😀 ) for you today is to be mindful of your words. Especially to those closest to you like your spouse. Continually pray for them and build them up, and you will be blessed far more than you have ever dreamed.

‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20 NIV